Hyperlipidemia

Approximately 73.5 million Americans, or 32 percent of the adult population in the United States, have high hyperlipidemia, also known as high cholesterol. If you have hyperlipidemia and live in the New York area, call for an evaluation with one of the leading cardiologist at Chinatown Cardiology, with locations in the Chinatown section of New York City and Brooklyn and Flushing, New York.

Hyperlipidemia Q & A

What is hyperlipidemia?

Hyperlipidemia is the medical term for high lipids, which are fats found in the blood including cholesterol and triglycerides. Hyperlipidemia is diagnosed with a simple blood panel.

Is hyperlipidemia dangerous?

Hyperlipidemia can lead to serious heart problems. When cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats build up in your arteries, the arteries become narrower, making it difficult for blood to circulate. This buildup can lead to high blood pressure, and can cause a blood clot to develop. When a blood clot breaks off and moves through your arteries to your brain it can lead to a stroke; when it travels to your heart, you can suffer a heart attack.

What are the symptoms of hyperlipidemia?

Generally, there are no symptoms of hyperlipidemia in the early, most easily reversible stages. For that reason, it is important to have your cholesterol checked on a regular basis. The American Heart Association recommends, adults over the age of 20 have their cholesterol levels checked every four to six years. However, those with certain risk factors may be advised to have more frequent screenings.

What are the risk factors for hyperlipidemia?

The key risk factors are:

A poor diet, high in saturated fats

Being overweight or obese

A large waist circumference (over 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women)

A sedentary lifestyle.

Smoking. Smoking damages blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to an accumulation fatty deposits.

Diabetes. High blood sugar, a characteristic of diabetes, damages the lining of the arteries

Being post menopausal

Genetics, having a close family member with heart disease at an early age

How is hyperlipidemia treated?

Hyperlipidemia can be improved in many cases through lifestyle changes, including a heart healthy diet, increased exercise (30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity is recommended daily) and losing weight. Those with high triglycerides should limit or avoid alcohol, which can be particularly problematic. If these changes don’t sufficiently improve hyperlipidemia, medication will be required, as well.